Seed and ground tester



I. B.`WH|TE, DECD. E. WHITE, Aommxsmmmx. SEED AND GROUND TESTER. APPLICAHON FILED JuLv 3,1920.

Patented July 25, 1922'.

3mm/dto@ CIB. Win' te JOSEPH BYRON WHITE, DECEASED, LATE OF CLARION, IO'OVA,` 'BY IDA E. WHITE, ADMINISTRATRIX, OF CLARION, IOWA.

SEED AND GROUND TESTER.

. Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 25, i922.

. Application filed July 3, 1920. Serial No. 393,947.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that Josnrr-r BYRON lVr-n'rn, deceased, a former citizen or'A the V'United States, formerly residing at Clarion, in the county of lVright and State of Iowa, has invented certain new and useful Improve ments in Seed and Ground rlesters, ot which the :following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates toseed testers, and apparatus Jfor testing the fertility of ground, and more particularly-to apparatus of this kind by which the comparative germinating powers of different samples of corn can be ascertained. Y f

Another object oithe invention is to pro'- vide a device oit thisA general character em bodying a novel and improved recording frame which is employed to facilitate the requisite planting oiE the seeds to be tested.

In the drawings which illustrate by way of example, an embodiment of this invention;

Figure l is a longitudinal sectional View taken through a tester constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my inven tion, the line of section being taken through the recording raine on substantially the line 7-7 of Figure 2.

Figure 2 represents a view in perspective oa recording'rame, embodying thisy invention;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional View taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawings, 4t denotes the recording' frame which consists of five cross-pieces 6 which are suitably secured to two end pieces 5. Each one or these cross pieces is drilled tor a series ot seven sets of three holes, each set beingseparated a suitable distance from the neighboring ones so that the seeds in growing can be easily distinguished by sets. This recording frame is set upon or in an earth trough 7 which consists of a box having an open top and partly filled with earth. `When the recording frame is put inside of this trough it preferably comes 'flush with the top part thereof. The recording frame serves as a means for giving a different location to the sets, and can be readily removed from each trough after the earth of the samehas'been suitably punched for the seeds.

Slidably disposed on the cross pieces 6 are a number of subcross pieces 6 that are suitably provided with holes .13 which come into register with the holes 13 when these bars are moved towards the right, as is clearly shown in the drawings. ordinary conditions the seeds are disposed within said holes, 13 so that when the last mentioned pieces are moved over so that their holes register with the holes inthe cross pieces beneath them, the seeds will drop therein and by means olthe `planter key be pushed a suitable distance in the earth of the trough. f

rlhepreerable plan of operationv is as follows: A. kernel removed from an ear of corn, near the top portionk thereof. `This kernel being placed in the iirst hole of kthe corresponding set in the trough. Another 'kernel is taken from the central portion ot the ear and placed in the second hole ot the corresponding hole, and a third kernel from the lower portion oit the ear is removed and put in the third and last hole of the corresponding set. In the same way, other seeds are taken from the remaining ears and suitably located within the troughs.

`When the seeds are taken to the record" ing frame, which is placed over a trough 7, they are placed within the holes 13 disposed in the upper slat 6 until the whole row is lled with them. Then the slot is moved towards the left so thatthe holes 13 within the same will correspond with the holes 13 in the lower cross piece 6. When the seeds or kernels have fallen within the lower crossy piece and are disposed on the earth in which they are to be placed, the planter key is taken and eachseed is pushed the desired distance `into the earth. rfhis operation is repeated for each row, until the whole trough has seeds suitably disposed therein. The recording `trame is then removed.

This affords a means whereby the seeds can'be readily tested, and quickly indicates the value of an ear ot corn, and which part ot the ear is most suitable for the conditions arising.

After the seeds have been properly planted .y

Under Y ing cross piece. This `frame or cover 8 serves as a mouse prooil covering` and remains on the trough 7 until the corn has grown through it and is ot suitabie strength to prevent and possibility ot mice destroyinothe seeds, before it is removed.

`laying thus described the invention it is claimed:

l. A recording frame Yfor use in testing,r seeds comprising an ,elongated strip provided at spaced points therealong' with a plurality of series of openings, a second strip slidably mounted on the first named strip, said second strip being also provided with a plurality of series of openings1 the series of openings ot the second strip reggistering with the series of openings oi' the first strip when the second strip is moved in one direction.

2.y A recording frame for use in testing seeds comprising an elongated strip provided at spaced points therealong with L plurality of series of openings. a. second strip slidably mounted on the iirst named strip, said second strip being` also provided with a plurality ot series of openings7 the series of openings of the second strip regis tering` with the series of openings of the i'irst strip When the second strip is moved in one direction, said second strip closing the openings of the first strip when said second strip is moved in the opposite direction.

3. A recording` frame for use in testing seeds comprising an elongated strip provided at spaced points tlierealong with a plurality of series of openings,A a second strip slidably mounted on the first named strip7 said second strip being` also provided with a plurality of series oi? openings, the series of openings of the second strip registering With the series or' openings ot the first strip when the second strip is moved in one direction, said second strip closing the openings ot the irst strip when said second strip is moved in the opposite direction7 said first named strip being;v provided with means coacting With the second strip for limit-ing the movement of 'the sec-- ond strip in either direction.

In testimonyT whereof, a'i'iip; my siggnzr ture in the presence ot two Witnesses.

l'D E, HTE., Adwu'nistfratwlr of Josep/72, Eff/fron l'V/lz'e'ze,

deceased.

lVitnesses:

R. S. AUSTIN, Jnssm AUsTiN. 

